WATCH: Gregor Matheson wins Ness Factor 2022 as event raises more than £108,000 for Highland Hospice
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A NIGHT of cheer and talent on the notes of great classics from the 80s saw the winner of a popular Inverness singing competition announced last night at the Drumossie Hotel.
Gregor Matheson (42) from Muir of Ord was the winner of this year's edition of Ness Factor, captivating the full room with his version of Dignity.
Mr Matheson said: "It's amazing, I can't believe that it has happened, Big thanks to everyone, I am overwhelmed!
"I chose Dignity as I have loved that song since I was a little boy and I like to put my own spin on it.
"The Highland Hospice means so much to so many people. I just felt like doing my best to support them. I had close friends who used their services and I wanted to give back something to them."
His voice coach, Tony Henry, said that it was the right person who won this year's competition.
He said: "This year's Ness Factor has been fantastic, it has been an extraordinary experience. I think Gregor really needs to be recognised for the talent that he possesses and it's an honour to coach him.
"I've been working with Gregor for the past three months, and I have witnessed his voice develop, grow and from where he was to what he is doing now, he is really starting to blossom and become the artist that I feel he is going to be."
This year's main event was themed 1987 to celebrate the Highland Hospice's 35th anniversary.
With contestants busy with fundraising activities in parallel with voice coaching lessons over the past months, the fundraising total was at £42,000 at the start of the night.
However over the night, after an auction celebrating the Hospice's 35th anniversary and a hit or miss competition as well as other donations, the total amount raised was a spectacular £108,000.
Event organiser Emma Nicol said: "The level of performances was outsanding and it was amazing to see so many people here and watching from home. Well done to everyone!"
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